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  5. Maintenance Tips for Your Electric Car


Maintenance Tips for Your Electric Car

If you want to keep your electric car in good shape, it's important to know how to maintain it. Keep the following tips in mind.

An illustration a wrench above a car and plug connect to the car.

  • Battery Checks. Check the battery monthly to make sure there isn't any corrosion and to ensure all of the connections are tight. Monitor the water levels in the battery and top them off when needed.
  • Know when to replace the battery. According to Energy.gov, EVs are equipped with advanced batteries that have an extended life. Most electric car manufacturers offer an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty on a battery ─ and they offer extended coverage in states that require a 10-year or more warranty for a battery on a partial or zero emissions vehicle.
  • Ensure good tire pressure. DoItYourself advises that just like with a regular vehicle, your EV's tires need to be checked to make sure the pressure is correct. The correct tire pressure makes for a smoother ride and prevents the tires from wearing down too quickly. It's also advisable to rotate the tires according to the manufacturer's guidelines, and replace them before the tread wears down too much.
  • Maintain the brakes. An electric car has regenerative brakes that don't wear down the brake pads as quickly as in a conventional car. However, it's still important to have your mechanic service the brakes every 20,000 miles to make sure they're in good working order. At around 40,000 miles, you'll likely have to replace the brake shoe.
  • Check all fluids. CarFax reports that EVs have fewer fluids to check than regular cars, but they still have to be maintained. Monitor the coolant levels, brake fluid and windshield washer fluid, and top them off when needed.
  • Maintain the suspension. Check the suspension system regularly. If you use your car a lot, the struts or shocks may eventually need to be replaced.
  • Replace the brushes. When you've driven around 80,000 miles, it's time to replace the brushes on the motor.
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